Algal uptake of U and some other metals: Implications for global geochemical cycling |
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Authors: | H. Mann W.S. Fyfe |
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Affiliation: | Department of Geology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7 Canada |
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Abstract: | Freshwater green algae Ankistrodesmus sp, cultured in dilute solutions of metals chelated with EDTA, revealed massive uptake of U. Examination of Thames River waters and selected micro-organisms of its aquatic ecosystem revealed an average dissolved U concentration of 1.46 ppb, representing about twice the global mean riverine solute concentration of 0.6 ppb U. Suspended particulates, principally algae, contain U at 103 to 105 times that of their river habitat, averaging 28 300 ppb U. One community of the filamentous algae Spirogyra sp. contained intracellular crystals tentatively identified as the Ca-oxylate weddelite. Studies of algae from a variety of environments have shown large concentration factors for a wide range of elements. Algae from an acid U mine tailings site contain up to 2.7% U (dry weight) plus very high concentrations of other metals. Micro-organisms may act as an important sink for metal solutes in the hydrosphere. |
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